Free exhibition to showcase the history of Vauxhall

Vauxhall is to open its Luton Heritage Centre to the public on 18 August, as part of the firm’s 110th-birthday celebrations.

The selection of more than 60 cars spans early machines from 1903 through to the current line-up.

Highlights of the collection include a 1903 5HP, the second-oldest Vauxhall in existence, a recently restored HP Firenza Droop Snoot (see C&SC, June 2012), an Astra GTE Mk1 and a legendary Lotus Carlton.

Two examples of Britain’s first 100mph car – the 30-98 – will also be on show as the model marks it centenary.

All of the cars are kept roadworthy and are lovingly maintained by the Heritage Team.

The building is situated in the grounds of Vauxhall’s head offices on Park Street, with the doors open from 10am-4pm.